Emily McDougal - Women Fight Discriminatory Marathon Ban

Summary: On Friday, hundreds of runners from all over the world took part in the TehRUN race, Tehran's first international marathon. The marathon was organized by Sebastiaan Straten, who viewed the race as a chance to bring people all backgrounds together. However, the rocky political times in Iran halted many foreign people from being able to enter the country, even with visas. Not only were some people not permitted to come to Iran, women were banned from running in the race. However, this did not stop them. The women were offered a 6 mile space inside to compensate, only a fraction of what the men were getting to run. Having been told originally they would be able to take part in the race, they were determined to run the full marathon. They held their own marathon in secret, beginning at a park where they ran the first 22 miles, and then ending at the 6 mile facility they had been provided. 106 women ran together, conquering the challenges they faced.

Analysis: This article was written on April 10, 2017, by Bianca Britton, to tell the story of these amazing marathon runners. It's always so cool to hear stories like this one, where people overcome the obstacles that are placed before them, despite their odds. These women took a serious risk with their actions, and they're making a difference in something that really matters. It's so important to spread these inspiring stories around so that they are told all over the world.

Synthesis: This is similar to the way that women disguised themselves as men to fight in the American Revolution, fighting the opposition and prejudice towards women.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/10/sport/iran-tehran-marathon/?iid=ob_homepage_deskrecommended_pool